Denver warns residents to not touch dead birds in city parks because of avian flu

The Denver Division of Public Well being and Surroundings (DDPHE) and Parks and Recreation say they’ve acquired a rise in calls about useless birds in metropolis parks amid a rising concern about avian flu.

The town says the illness has impacted largely waterfowl and geese.

Metropolis officers need the general public to keep away from direct contact with the stays and preserve pets away.

This is similar avian flu that has precipitated an egg scarcity, which you could have seen in grocery shops. The dearth of provide has egg costs skyrocketing.

Colorado State College launched a report this week saying 6.4 million chickens have died in Colorado. That’s almost your complete egg-laying inhabitants.

Dr. Kristy Pabilonia, CSU’s director of scientific diagnostics at their veterinary well being system, says it’s the worst outbreak she has ever seen.

Pabilonia says what’s completely different on this outbreak of avian flu is the virus is being detected in hundreds of untamed birds, making the outbreak troublesome to regulate.

Birds unfold the virus much like how people unfold flu, by respiratory and fecal secretions. That is impacting home and wild birds throughout our state.

Larimer County recorded its first circumstances of the illness this week, and officers are involved about it spreading.

The chance of the virus spreading to people is low.

Officers are additionally warning folks and their pets to steer clear of birds that seem sick.

If you happen to see a useless fowl at a park, you possibly can name 311 to report it. If you happen to discover one in your property, use gloves to eliminate it.